Iron Savior – Firestar
Reviewed by: Melissa Nee
Review Score: 8.5
Iron Savior, hailing from the epicentre of power metal, Hamburg Germany have been around for a while. They first formed in 1996 and have included members from Helloween and Blind Guardian. But this is really Piet Sielck’s baby. A producer and multi-instrumentalist which means Iron Savior albums always have great production and top-notch musicianship.
While Piet is the only original guy left in the band, this 14th offering is very much a group of people rather than feeling like a one-man band.
Iron Savior have been known for their interesting cover song choices like ‘Sweet Dreams’ (Eurythmics), ‘This Flight Tonight’ (Joni Mitchell), or safer options like songs from Judas Priest, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath. However, there are no covers on Firestar.
Clocking in at a hair over fifty minutes with eleven tracks, this is a great length for an album. The theme is just as you would expect from Iron Savior or power metal in general. Back on the first album, we were introduced to the Iron Savior space vessel (ship) and the city of Atlantis. Piet isn’t doing a straight up concept album here, but the theme does pop up.
The album opens with the song or intro called ‘The Titan’. It has a name, so I consider it a song. It has a very Medieval/Renaissance vibe… that kicks right into the METAL!
The next/first song is called ‘Curse Of The Machinery’. It is a single and with good reason. This song has a great drum beat, tasty licks and a catchy chorus (yeah, power metal) Piet has an interesting voice. It’s not your standard Bruce or Rob but he can sing. His voice has a bit of a gravelly twinge, like he may need to clear his throat.
Next up is my favorite off the album, ‘In The Realm Of Heavy Metal’. You have all the tropes. The lyrics are about fantasy, swords and shields and of course heavy metal that all work perfect here. Heavy riffs, blistering guitar solo and great rhythm section keepin’ the beat. The lyrics are so fun and beg you to sing along. The chorus is infectious. ‘Demise Of Tyrant’ and the title track keep up the pace. Then we get to the “love song”. First off, it’s not a bad song. If you are a big fan of Power Metal and you are planning a wedding, I may have just found your song. That said, for me, it is the weakest track. Something must be, right? All joking aside, it is NOT a power balled and that wins points with me.
While this is not a concept album, there is a loose story thread throughout the record. The album ends on a high note with ‘Together As One’. An uplifting ditty that ties the songs together and wraps things up nicely. A positive message delivered through pounding drums and heavy riffs.
OK, I know. The knock-on Iron Savior and the sub-genre in general is the sameness and somewhat predictability. This is true. With this album you pretty much know what is coming next. That said, the familiarity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This is entertainment. No need to take it too seriously. Piet and the boys take the musicianship seriously so you can have fun rocking out and singing along.
Firestar is out now via AFM Records.